how much should my throttle plate open when applying gas?

**Greg84** · 10-10-2014

Hi there, today i finally got around to trying to clean my throttle body and because its an electronic throttle body I was told at the store to run the car with the throttle body open and get someone to press the gas while I clean it, and not to mess with the throttle plate/butterfly valve because it would put the idle speed out of sync. The first thing I noticed was that the butterfly valve was barely opening when the gas was being pressed. Is that because the car was in park, or because I had the mass air flow sensor disconnected, or maybe because the throttle body needs to be replaced. and if the throttle body does need to be replaced, what are the steps involved in doing so, so that the the ecm will be in sync when all is said and done. Thanks in advance for any help.

**FordMan77** · 10-10-2014

Not sure how far they open on the DBW cars. Usually just remove the entire TB and clean it till it shines. Reinstall and away you go. The backside of the blade gets carboned up. Common issue.

**Greg84** · 10-10-2014

with a mechanically operated throttle body I know thats how they work, but with drive by wire I've read online and have been told that the ECM and throttle plate wont be in sync or work properly if you mess the blade/plate. I've also been told that cars with DBW have some kind of re learn state you can put them into if you do mess with the blade so the ECM can get back into sync. does any one know how to get the car in this state? by the way I guess I forgot to mention the exact car. Its a 2006 pontiac grand prix base mode 3800 series 3 engine.

**WolvesSoulZ** · 10-11-2014

I don't know, both DBW TB I cleaned, I removed, held the blade open with my fingers, cleaned, re-installed. No issues on both cars.

**Greg84** · 10-11-2014

Did you do this on your 2004? and if so do you know if the 2004 GTP is the same as the 2006 base model? Thanks

**REDCRAPGP** · 10-11-2014

Originally Posted by Greg84

Did you do this on your 2004? and if so do you know if the 2004 GTP is the same as the 2006 base model? Thanks

Yup

**stealthee** · 10-11-2014

Take it off, hold the plate open and clean it. The people at the store are misinformed. I have taken my TB off and held the plate open to clean it several times.